LIGHTNING LANE PREMIER PASS

Experience the Red Carpet Treatment with Disney’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass

Ever envied the A-list treatment celebrities receive at Disney theme parks, breezing past lines and enjoying unlimited ride access? Now, you can live like a star with the Lightning Lane Premier Pass, the ultimate VIP experience. Imagine having the power to skip the queues and ride your favorite attractions at will – it’s like having your own personal FastPass to fantasy.

The Evolution of Disney’s Line-Skipping System

In 2019, Disney bid farewell to the beloved FastPass system and introduced Genie+, a paid service that was met with confusion due to its simultaneous launch with a free service called Genie. However, in 2024, Disney revamped its entire system, ditching the Genie name and rebranding the paid service as Lightning Lane. Currently, both Walt Disney World and Disneyland offer two distinct Lightning Lane passes, with a third premium option – the Premier Pass – on the horizon. Get ready to take your Disney experience to new heights with this game-changing pass!

Revisit the Magic of FastPass with the Lightning Lane Multi Pass

The Lightning Lane Multi Pass is a nostalgic nod to the classic FastPass system, reminiscent of the days when app reservations replaced in-park machines. This pass allows each member of your party to book three multi-pass experiences, complete with designated arrival windows, within a theme park. The best part? Once you’ve used your first Lightning Lane, you can immediately reserve another experience in the same park or switch to a different one.

Unlock Exclusive Perks and Memories

The Lightning Lane Multi Pass comes with a range of exciting benefits, including:

In-park photos: Enjoy digital downloads of select attraction photos to cherish your memories
Additional perks: Discover special surprises and enhancements throughout your day in the parks

Affordable Luxury: Pricing Starts at $30-$32 per Person per Day

Experience the convenience and flexibility of the Lightning Lane Multi Pass without breaking the bank. Prices start at:

$30 per person per day at Walt Disney World
$32 per person per day at Disneyland

Treat yourself and your loved ones to a hassle-free day at the parks, complete with priority access and memorable extras.

The Catch: Multi Pass Limitations and the Need for Single Pass

While the Lightning Lane Multi Pass offers a convenient way to experience several attractions, it comes with a significant caveat: the most popular rides are not included. If you’re eager to ride blockbuster attractions like Tron Lightcycle/Run or Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, you’ll be out of luck with the Multi Pass. Instead, you’ll face a choice: wait in the standby line or pony up an additional fee for the Lightning Lane Single Pass.

The Single Pass: A Separate Fee for Premium Attractions

The Lightning Lane Single Pass allows you to bypass the line for a single, high-demand attraction, but it comes at an extra cost – typically around $20 per person. This pass grants you one-time entry into the attraction, but be aware that you’ll be assigned a specific arrival time. It’s essential to pay attention to this time slot, as it will dictate your schedule.

Don’t Wait: Secure Your Single Pass Reservations Early

A crucial note: Single Pass rides can sell out of Lightning Lane tickets quickly, so don’t assume you can spontaneously decide to ride and expect availability. To avoid disappointment, make your reservation early in the morning and plan your day around the assigned return time window. By doing so, you’ll ensure that you can experience these premium attractions without waiting in lengthy lines – but be prepared for an additional fee on top of your Multi Pass purchase.

Introducing the Ultimate Luxury: Lightning Lane Premier Pass

Imagine having unrestricted access to all Lightning Lane attractions, with no wait times, virtual queues, or booking windows. The new Lightning Lane Premier Pass makes this a reality, combining the benefits of both Multi and Single Passes into a single, premium offering. However, be aware that availability will be extremely limited, making this a truly exclusive experience.

Disneyland Resort: First-Come, First-Served Availability

At the Disneyland Resort, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass will be available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis starting two days before your theme park reservation. This pass will grant you access to both theme parks, allowing you to seamlessly navigate between them. Mark your calendars for October 23, 2024, when the pass will become available for the first time.

Walt Disney World: Initial Availability Limited to Deluxe Resorts

Initially, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass will only be available to guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts or Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts at Walt Disney World. These guests can purchase the pass up to seven days before their stay and enjoy access to a single park of their choice per day. The first availability date is set for October 30, 2024.

Updated Availability: Now Open to All Disney Resort Guests

As of November 21, 2024, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass has become more accessible. It is now available for purchase by all Disney resort guests, including those staying at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels and Shades of Green resort.

Effortless Access with the Premier Pass

Once you’ve purchased your Lightning Lane Premier Pass and entered the theme park of your choice, simply approach any available Lightning Lane entrance at your desired ride. Scan your MagicBand, park ticket, or cell phone to gain entry. Please note that with the Premier Pass, you’ll have access to each Lightning Lane ride once per day. If you want to experience a ride again during your visit day there’s nothing stopping you from waiting in line if you want an additional go around

International Parks: Not Currently Available

Please note that as it stands today; this exclusive pass won’t be offered at Disneyland Paris Tokyo Disneyland Hong Kong Disneyland Shanghai Disneyland

Lightning Lane Premier Pass Pricing

The cost of the Lightning Lane Premier Pass varies depending on the Disney resort and the time of year. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing:

Disneyland Resort: For the remainder of 2024, the Premier Pass will be priced at a flat rate of $400 per person per day. In 2025, prices will be dynamic, ranging from $300 to $400 per day, depending on factors like crowd expectations and demand. You’ll be able to see the exact price when you purchase the pass through the Disneyland App.
Walt Disney World Resort: At Walt Disney World, the Premier Pass pricing will fluctuate between $129 and $449 per person per day, taking into account variables like date, theme park, and anticipated crowds. The My Disney Experience App will display the current price when you’re ready to buy.

Important Reminder: Park Admission Not Included

It’s essential to note that the Lightning Lane Premier Pass does not include theme park admission. You’ll need to purchase separate theme park tickets in addition to the Premier Pass. Advance purchase is required, so be sure to plan ahead and secure your pass and park tickets accordingly.

Lightning Lane Premier Pass Rides

The following Lightning Lane Rides are available with the new Lightning Lane Premier Pass:

Disney’s Magic Kingdom

The Barnstormer
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Haunted Mansion
“it’s a small world”
Jungle Cruise
Mad Tea Party
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
Peter Pan’s Flight
Pirates of the Caribbean
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Space Mountain
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Tomorrowland Speedway
TRON Lightcycle / Run
Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid

Epcot

Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
Frozen Ever After
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Journey into Imagination with Figment
Living with the Land
Mission: SPACE
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Soarin’ Around the World
Spaceship Earth
Turtle Talk with Crush

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Alien Swirling Saucers
Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
Disney Junior Play & Dance!
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Muppet*Vision 3D
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Slinky Dog Dash
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Toy Story Mania! The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Avatar Flight of Passage
DINOSAUR
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
Feathered Friends in Flight!
Festival of the Lion King
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!
It’s Tough to Be a Bug!
Kali River Rapids
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Naʻvi River Journey

Disneyland Park

Autopia
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Haunted Mansion
Indiana Jones Adventure
“it’s a small world”
Matterhorn Bobsleds
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Pirates of the Caribbean
Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin
Space Mountain
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Disney California Adventure Park

Goofy’s Sky School
Grizzly River Run
Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
Incredicoaster
The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
Radiator Springs Racers
Soarin’ Around the World
Toy Story Midway Mania!
WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure

Is the Lightning Lane Premier Pass Worth the Cost?

For the vast majority of Disney theme park visitors – approximately 99% – the answer is a resounding no. The Premier Pass is not a practical or cost-effective option for most people. In fact, you can recreate a similar experience using the Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass for less than half the cost of the Premier Pass. While the Premier Pass guarantees access to all rides, this alternative approach does come with some uncertainty.

Who Might Benefit from the Premier Pass?

The Premier Pass might be worth considering for a very specific group of visitors: those who have only a short time in the parks and are determined to experience every attraction, regardless of cost. If you’re willing to pay a premium to ensure you can ride everything on your list, then the Premier Pass might be a viable option for you.

Limited Availability: Plan Ahead

If you’re considering purchasing Lightning Lane Premier Passes, be aware that quantities will be extremely limited. Make sure to mark your calendar with the on-sale date and time, and purchase your passes early to avoid missing out. Don’t wait – these passes will likely sell out quickly, and you don’t want to miss your chance if you’ve decided that the Premier Pass is right for you.

Alternatives to the Disney Lightning Lane Premier Pass: VIP Tours

For those who desire a more luxurious and personalized experience, Disney’s VIP tours offer a unique alternative to the Premier Pass. These guided tours, available at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland, cater to groups of up to 10 people and can be customized to fit your preferences. With a VIP tour, you’ll have access to minimal or no lines at most attractions, and your knowledgeable guide will be on hand to answer questions, provide insights, and even help with tasks like carrying Mickey balloons.

VIP Tour Details

At both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, VIP tours have a minimum duration of 7 hours and can last up to 10 hours. The cost ranges from $500 to $800 per hour at Disneyland and $450 to $900 per hour at Walt Disney World, with prices quoted at the time of booking. Keep in mind that gratuities for your guide are not included in the initial cost.

Is a VIP Tour a Better Value?

If you’re traveling with a larger group, a VIP tour might be a more cost-effective option. For example, an 8-person group could enjoy a 7-hour guided tour for between $3,150 and $6,300. In contrast, purchasing Premier Passes for the same group at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom on a busy day could cost around $3,592. Considering that VIP tours can cover multiple parks (unlike the Premier Pass, which is limited to one park per day), this option may be worth exploring for larger groups or those seeking a more exclusive experience.